Indigenous Vegetable Preservation Methods for Economic Growth in Umzingwane Communal Farming Areas of Zimbabwe

The research study on the challenges in indigenous vegetable crop preservation and adoption strategies for communal farming in Umzingwane district employed a mixed-methods where both the qualitative and quantitative approaches were used following a sequential explanatory research design. The research study sought to address the challenges brought about by crop losses emanating from crop product spoilages with the objective of improving nutritional food nutritional security especially after harvesting processes. Purposive sampling was adopted because of the need to access specific targeted farmers who could provide the most relevant information on crop preservation methods used. Questionnaires and observations were used coupled with focus group discussions to unravel the study aims and objectives. The research revealed that indigenous crop product preservation methods currently used by most communal farmers in Umzingwane have been a cause of concern since they resulted in major crop losses thus exacerbating food insecurity problems within the communal farming areas and the southern region at large. Lack of knowledge and skills by farmers on ideal crop preservation technics, lack of relevant infrastructural developments, rapid changes in weather conditions and limited market information were identified as major factors responsible for poor crop produce preservation. Resurgence of endemic pests and diseases further exacerbates the problem of crop product losses within the geographic areas under study. As a way of curtailing the problem identified, the researchers recommend robust training and knowledge sharing among communal farmers as being key in improving adoption of improved crop product preservatory measures. Use of farmer field schools, unlocking cheap government funding and tailor-making policies to support specific targeted communal farmers remains critical in improving the success of ruralpreneurship.